Johnnie Walker, a brand of Norwalk, Conn.-based Diageo North America, will introduce its newest Scotch whisky: Johnnie Walker Select Casks – Rye Cask Finish, a 10-year-old, 46 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), chill-filtered blended Scotch whisky. The new varietal is the first in a series of limited-edition, wood-finished Scotch blends to be released during the coming years, the company says. Each limited-edition whisky will feature a different wood finish crafted for today's whisky enthusiast, it adds.
With Cardhu single malt at the heart of the blend, Johnnie Walker's Master Blender Jim Beveridge used whiskies matured for at least 10 years in first-fill American Oak casks, the company says. He finished the Scotch in ex-rye whiskey casks, creating a whisky with layers of flavor starting with creamy vanilla notes and transitioning to a more spicy finish, it adds.
"From the early days when John Walker first blended whiskies in 1820 to the unique blends created today, Johnnie Walker has always thrived on experimentation. I believe that whisky is ever evolving and experimental in nature, and I am pleased to present the first rye cask finished blended Scotch whisky," Beveridge said in a statement. "Johnnie Walker Select Casks is a unique style of Scotch that blends the flavor characteristics of bourbon and rye with some of the classic signature notes and smoothness of Johnnie Walker."
The limited-edition Johnnie Walker Select Cask – Rye Cask Finish has a suggested retail price of $45 for a 750-ml bottle and will be available in fine wine and spirit stores and bars across the United States.
